Winter trail etiquette
Tips for downhill skiing, fat biking and more
When exploring Colorado’s beautiful mountains via skis, fat bike or snowshoes, following the rules makes for a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone. Learn more about the downhill skiing safety code, where you’re allowed to ride a fat bike, and more!
Where to Hike and Snowshoe in Crested Butte in Winter
Winter vs. Summer trail use
Hiking and snowshoeing is permitted on Town Ranch, the Rec Path, Whetstone Vista, Green Lake Trail and the drainages (Slate River Road, Gothic Road, etc.). The summer trails along Peanut Lake Road, including the Woods Walk, the Budd Trail and the Lower Loop, are closed to all use in winter. Snowshoes are allowed on CB Nordic’s groomed trails with the purchase of a CB Nordic day pass. Dogs are only allowed on certain groomed trails; please visit CB Nordic’s dog policy webpage for more information. Fat bikes are permitted on open backcountry trails and a few groomed trails. Check out CB Nordic’s fat biking page for more information on this unique activity.
Getting Around Gunnison and Crested Butte
Public transportation in the Gunnison Valley
If you don’t have a car, you can easily walk, bike or utilize the free buses to get around the Gunnison Valley. The RTA bus regularly runs between Gunnison and Crested Butte, making visiting both towns convenient. The Mountain Express Shuttle services Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Shuttles from Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport are also available. Some hotels and bed and breakfasts offer bikes for guests to use.
SPRING TRAIL CLOSURES IN GUNNISON
Seasonal trail closures at Hartman Rocks and Signal Peak
Some trails in Gunnison are closed during specific dates in spring to protect wildlife, including elk, deer and the Gunnison sage grouse. Others are closed seasonally for mud and winter conditions. Obey all posted signs you encounter, and never travel on muddy trails. Click the button below for dates and more details.
Camping in Crested Butte
There are many places to camp in the Gunnison Valley for tent camping, RVs and fifth-wheel trailers. Research camping spots before your trip to avoid surprises—for example, expecting a toilet at camp but finding out that there are none when you arrive. With recent changes to camping regulations around Crested Butte, it’s more important than ever to plan your trip before you arrive. Check out different camping options in Gunnison Valley.
LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
How to minimize your impact on the Gunnison Valley’s beautiful backcountry
The seven principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Each principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts.
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Plan Ahead an Prepare
To help reduce environmental impacts and conflicts between groups.
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Camp in Designated Campsites
Drive only on established roads, and camp only in established campsites. Camp at least 200 feet away from water. Manage your camp in a way that minimizes impacts on the land, water, plants and animals. Check out this Car Camping 101 video to learn more about how to car camp in a way that minimizes impacts on the land.
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Dispose of Waste Properly
Have a plan: If a restroom is unavailable, bring WAG bags or a portable toilet and pack out all waste (pet and human).
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Leave What You FInd
Take only pictures: do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
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Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the environment. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings or fire pans. Burn all wood and coals to ash and put out campfires completely.
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Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Control pets at all times or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
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Be Considerate of other visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
From the blog
More tips on how to lighten your footprint when traveling to Crested Butte and Gunnison.
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Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes
Bring your pup on vacation and take them on a Crested Butte dog-friendly hike! With more than 150 trails and two million acres of public lands to explore, Crested Butte, […] -
Hiking to Aspen from Crested Butte
The Crested Butte to Aspen hike via West Maroon Pass or East Maroon Pass is one of Colorado’s most scenic and renowned adventures. The Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area provides stunning […] -
Underexposed: Gunnison, CO
Underexposed is a self-filmed and produced series by Pivot Cycles athlete Brice Shirbach dedicated to showcasing trail advocacy and stewardship while exploring a variety of trails in places that may […] -
Spring 2023 trail openings in Crested Butte and Gunnison
With record high snowfall for winter 2022-2023, many Colorado trails will open later than usual in spring and summer 2023. This page will be updated weekly with new trail openings […] -
Spring activities in Gunnison and Crested Butte
What is there to do in spring in Crested Butte and Gunnison? April, May and June in the Gunnison Valley bring warmer temperatures and melting snow. The best spring activities […] -
Animals and Birds of Gunnison, Colorado
This guide to the animals and birds of Gunnison, Colorado features some of the local ecosystem’s most beloved species, including the endangered Gunnison sage-grouse. If you enjoyed learning about the […] -
Bees and Butterflies of Gunnison, Colorado
This guide to the bees and butterflies of Gunnison, Colorado features some of this area’s most common insects, including vital pollinators. If you enjoyed learning about the insects of this […] -
Plants of Gunnison, Colorado
This guide to the plants of Gunnison, Colorado features some of the most common and iconic plants in the ecosystem around Gunnison, including many of the wildflowers for which this […] -
Summer Trails Etiquette in Gunnison and Crested Butte
Summer in Colorado is full of opportunities for adventures out on the trails. There are 1200+ miles of trails and over two million acres of public lands in Gunnison and […] -
Move to Designated Camping in Crested Butte is Complete
The Forest Service, the Gunnison County Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee and the Crested Butte Conservation Corps (CBCC) have now completed the years-long transition to vehicle-access designated camping […]
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